NHS professionals want to remind people to stay sexually safe this Christmas.
By practising safe sex you can avoid contracting any sexually transmitted infections or unintended pregnancies.
Professor Matt Phillips, Associate Medical Director at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “During the festive period we all want to have fun and enjoy ourselves and often our sexual health and wellbeing can be put to the back of our minds. There’s usually a lot of socialising and a party or two this time of year which is why we want to remind people to be sexually safe and prepared.
“It’s important that if you use a daily contraceptive to make sure you have enough to last you during the Christmas period and always be prepared for unplanned sex. If your contraception fails, or if you have unprotected sex over Christmas make sure that you know where to get help.
“Timing is essential as well, for example, emergency contraception and treatment for if you think you have been exposed to HIV both need to be taken within 72 hours, so don’t put off getting help.
“Also remember you can get condoms for free at any of our clinics- just walk in and make sure you are stocked up.”
“If you require support when clinics are closed please go to your nearest pharmacy or call NHS 111.”
Our sexual health service can now offer patients the ability to book appointments online.
David Morris, Sexual Health Outreach worker at NCIC, said: “Creating a platform for patients to securely book appointments online has been part of strategic plans to enhance patient access and reduce pressure on clinic staff for some time. As with all sexual health providers, Covid-19 has heightened pressure on our services and prompted us to fast-track implementation of online booking and testing in a bid to free-up precious resource and safeguard patient experience, while promoting better health outcomes.”
“Once patients have a choice to book appointments online, we anticipate that calls to the switchboard will reduce by around half. As patient needs and expectations change, it is important sexual health services like ours keep pace.”
Patients can register on the online booking platform and go through an intuitive and intelligent triage process which, based on their responses, determines the care the patient needs and offers an appointment that precisely matches that need. For time sensitive services or those requiring specialist support or intervention, signposting including emergency contact numbers will be presented to the patient and they will also offer a call back service where appropriate.
Opening times for sexual clinics run by North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust differ during the Christmas period. Find out more of the sexual health service page.
